Album Review: Of Mice & Men "The Flood (Deluxe Reissue)"

(This was actually one of the pieces I submitted for my English language coursework, but I thought it was worth a read to acquaint you with my style of writing.)

A few years ago Of Mice & Men, named after John Steinbeck’s famous novel, were just another band with a demo on MySpace. Now it’s safe to say that they are the most exciting band to come from the American metal scene since Slipknot, and their highly anticipated deluxe reissue of “The Flood” is the most thrilling and ferocious album that you’ll have heard in a long time. The first issue of “The Flood” itself became the fastest selling album in Rise Records’ history, and it did rightfully so. Since their debut [self-titled album Of Mice & Men] this band has gone from being just some other bunch of melodramatic scenesters to one of the best loved bands in the world. And it’s because they deserve it.

Seducing you into a literal musical storm, gentle and melodic instrumental “The Calm” hypes you up for the explosion that is “The Storm”, “The Flood” and “The Depths”. All new and stunningly heavy tracks fueled with all the hostility and angst that you want from a hardcore album, together they are a perfect example of why Of Mice & Men receive the attention that they do. Leading on to the powerful and relentless “O.G. Loko”, frontman Austin Carlile roars “I’m still here, this is faithfulness at it’s finest,” and we’re really fucking glad he is.

For a while, it was unclear whether Of Mice & Men would be returning for a second album, as Austin departed due to health issues and former bassist Jaxin Hall quit for good. With rumours going wild online and temporary replacement vocalist Jerry Roush stating that the band “talked epic amounts of shit”, it seemed that Of Mice & Men had had their fifteen minutes of fame. But in January last year Austin returned full of raging fire and incredible commitment and brought with him new guitarist Alan Ashby. Barely pausing for breath, very few musicians have vocals as powerful as Austin’s or the ability to create such emotion and feeling with words, and it’s this kind of passion that can be heard in songs such as “Still YDG’N” and “Product Of A Murderer” which makes Of Mice & Men so special.

And whilst some of you may be thinking: “What’s the big deal? The whole none stop antipathetic metal thing has been done a million times before...,” Of Mice & Men have achieved far more than just that. After the immense force collides with an energetic and inspiring rock ballad with an unforgettable and euphonic chorus: “My Understandings” (in which Austin screams “I don’t mind it if you’re overrated,” and this album certainly isn’t) we are then again thrown full force into a whirlwind of fast-paced and furious carnage and unbelievable guitar riffs credible of Corey Taylor’s early work. Adrenaline levels surging, all the aggression and excitement is brought to a soothing close in acoustic track “When You Can’t Sleep At Night” performed by ex-bassist Shayley Bourget.

Leaving you mentally and physically satisfied but still adamant for more, “The Flood” not only meets expectations, but smashes them to pieces.